VIVA PALESTINIA

Over 200 vehicles and hundreds of human rights activists began the trek across the Middle East over Christmas to bring aid to the besieged but unbroken Palestinian people.

This time last year Israel undertook one of the most brutal assaults imaginable against the people of Gaza amidst a crescendo of global condemnation. Whilst many people across the world celebrated December’s festivities the Israeli war machine prepared for a 22 day massacre of over 1400 men, women and children in Palestine. Since the assaults the Israeli government have continued with expansion and repression despite ongoing war crimes investigations. Furthermore, the people of Gaza remain under an Israeli military siege and are unable to receive much needed medical and food aid.

This year, many of the same people who screamed from the rooftops in the face of the silence of global ‘leaders’ have mobilised again. Thousands of people are currently engaged in a month of remembrance including vigils, rallies, memorials and most significantly VIVA PALESTINA – a humanitarian aid convoy led by ordinary people, currently en route to Gaza with much needed medical aid.

However, as was the case during the 22 days of attacks which left Gaza devastated, many forces are still doing their utmost to limit free passage to those who bring aid to Palestine.  

Activists have reacted with the same resolve which has driven them from the outset and engaged in protest and even initiated a short term hunger strike to expose the nature of the Egyptian government’s refusal to allow aid through.

These actions have, however, cost the convoy hundreds of thousands of pounds in additional travel expenses via alternate routes.

Many respected commentators and human rights activists have added their messages of support as the convoy nears its destination, including the widely respected US political activist Noam Chomsky who said:

“Despite the media blackout, which is a disgrace, this is turning out to be a really spectacular triumph, I think, and it's hard to express properly my admiration and respect for those who are directly engaged.  It has to be a shot in the arm for the people in Gaza, and might stir up some opposition to the dictatorship in Egypt, which is exposing its brutality daily -- to everyone except the US media (hope it's better elsewhere).  And I think a lot of people are going to come back home really invigorated. Good luck in what lies ahead.”

For up to date information on the VIVA PALESTINA journey and events in your area log on to vivapalestina.org/home.htm and www.ipsc.ie

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